Most starters not playing Saturday Coach Kyle Shanahan said most of the 49ers' starting team, which Purdy headlines, will not participate in Saturday's preseason opener against the Titans, David Lombardi of The Athl... Impact Shanahan didn't specifically rule Purdy out, as he left a window open for some starters to see action, but it seems safe to say the 24-year-old signal-caller won't be risked in exhibition action Saturday without the rest of the starting offense. The 49ers' offensive situation is rapidly fluctuating, with trade talks still ongoing for Brandon Aiyuk, Christian McCaffrey (calf) expected to miss a few weeks of practice due to a strain, and backup running backs Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) dealing with injuries of their own. Rookie first-round wideout Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) also re-aggravated the injury that caused him to begin camp on the sideline Tuesday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports. Purdy has drawn praise and has reportedly been working on improving his mobile throwing accuracy, and there's plenty of time for his surrounding situation to stabilize before the 49ers take on the Jets in Week 1, but for now it wouldn't be surprising if the team is cautious with its offensive stars.
AUGUST 6 • ROTOWIRE